Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation

of Educationby: Jose Radin L. Garduque

Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation of Education :

Buddha’s Life

Buddha lived at around 400 B.C. He belongs to the royal family of Nepal, but decided to be a beggar during his adulthood. While wandering on different places, he taught about the 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation of Education :

The 4 Noble Truths

1. Life is full of suffering.2. Suffering is caused by

our worldly desires.3. Our suffering can be

brought to an end.4. Our suffering can be

ended by following the Eightfold Path (Dharma).

Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation of Education :

The Eightfold Path

1. Sammadithi (Right View). A teacher must not only look at the outward appearance. He/she must understand deeper why students behave in a certain way in order to avoid prejudice and ill treatment.

Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation of Education :

The Eightfold Path

2. Sammasankapo (Right Intention). A teacher must free himself/herself of selfish attachments, hate & vengeance. The moment he/she gives up negative motives, he/she can attain peace of mind and become altruistic towards his/her students.

Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation of Education :

The Eightfold Path

3. Sammavaca (Right Speech). A teacher must avoid gossiping, lying and uttering vulgar & harsh languages. These are roots of hatred, conflict and misunderstanding. Our tongue is sometimes sharper than the sword.

Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation of Education :

The Eightfold Path

4. Sammakammanto (Right Action). A teacher must not do physical violence & immoralities like murder, theft, gluttony, laziness, suicide, drunkenness, drug addiction and adultery. He/she should avoid corporal punishment to students.

Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation of Education :

The Eightfold Path

5. Samma-ajivo (Right Livelihood). A teacher must conduct a proper way of earning a living by not engaging in illegal activities and syndicates. Teaching is a noble profession. It is not a matter of income. It is a matter of (good) outcome!

Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation of Education :

The Eightfold Path

5. Sammavayama (Right Effort). A teacher must think thoroughly before he/she does an action. Being an organized person is a characteristic of a good teacher who is regarded as a role model. Like teaching in classroom, his/her life must have a lesson plan too!

Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation of Education :

The Eightfold Path

7. Sammasati (Right Mindfulness). A teacher must avoid dirty thoughts. Unclean thinking sometimes provokes us to speak ill of others or do unpleasant things to our fellow. Purifying our minds is a helpful way to decent living.

Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation of Education :

The Eightfold Path

8. Sammasamadhi (Right Concentration). A teacher must find time to relax by finding a peaceful place, sitting in lotus position and doing a meditation. It can help him/her attain mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual comfort & happiness.

Buddhism as a Philosophical Foundation of Education

A Report in Educ. 403 (Philosophical, Historical & Legal Foundations of Education) under Dr. Jonathan Leal in Filamer Christian University, Roxas City, Philippines (1st Sem., A.Y. 2013-2014)